A sit-in in support of the rector of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (Usac), Walter Mazariegos, was called for this Thursday, June 25 at the entrance to the Central Campus on Petapa Avenue, while the official seeks to complete the requirements to assume a new period at the head of the university.
According to information obtained by Free pressdirectors of the regional university centers called on students from different campuses to move to the Central Campus and express their support for Mazariegos. For this, transportation and travel expenses were provided.
In addition, sectors linked to the USAC reported through social networks and messaging groups that university workers had been conditioned on their participation in the sit-in in exchange for a day of rest, while students had been offered points in certain courses.
Free press consulted Walter Mazariegos through text messages; however, these seemed not to reach his phone. A position was also requested from the Usac Press Department, but they have not responded.
Seek settlement through judicial means
In parallel with the call for the sit-in, Mazariegos would seek to obtain through judicial means the Transitory Certificate of Non-existence of Claim for Positions, known as settlement, a document required by the Probity Law to assume a public position.
Sources consulted do not rule out that the rector may promote a protection so that an Appeals chamber orders the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC) to issue the document to him.
The same sources consider that some magistrates could favor this request, in a context in which the future integration of the Cortes will also be defined, a process in which the USAC participates through the Nomination Commissions.
The settlement constitutes one of the legal requirements so that Mazariegos can take office for a new term as rector on July 1.
On June 23, during a summons in Congress, the CGC explained that it could not issue the settlement because there are complaints related to alleged irregularities in the administration of USAC during the last four years.
Mazariegos was declared the winner of the election held on April 8 in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, where the electoral bodies were convened.
For that election he no longer had the settlement, because the Comptroller’s Office had filed three complaints with the Public Ministry (MP). However, the Higher University Council (CSU) validated his candidacy.
Now, less than a week after concluding his mandate and assuming a new term, Mazariegos has accumulated at least 17 complaints in the MP.
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